Giovanni van Bronckhorst need only read the Hotline to realise there’s no let up from the pressure.
Fresh from a brave Europa League effort in Seville, it’s straight into the Scottish Cup Final and the pressure is back on.
Ibrox punters hit the Hotline to outline the importance of a win at Hampden and also the hassle that he’s facing once it’s over.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “ Rangers will need to pick themselves off the floor because, if they don’t, they will pay the penalty against Hearts and end the season as they started, knockout cup-less and leaving them looking at an empty trophy cabinet at Ibrox.
“An exodus of certain players facing the revolving door is also on the cards as a major rebuilding job.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, added: “Forget the Europa. It’s over, water under the bridge now and Van Bronckhorst must look to the very near future.
“Changes have to be made for the betterment. The highly rated playmaker Alex Lowry should be straight into the starting XI along with Cole McKinnon, having destroyed Hearts last week. No doubt they are the clubs big hopes for success next season along with ace scorer Tony Weston.”
Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “Seems Sakala went out of Fashion as GVB hooked the player off to give golden boy Aaron Ramsey his chance for penalty glory.
“GVB helped cost Rangers Europa League glory. If he fails against Hearts, he should be sacked. But won’t.”
Ian Strang said: “After the disappointment in Seville, I hope the players can lift themselves up to win the Scottish Cup and give the best supporters in the world something to celebrate.”
Still Seville memories linger for some, however. Stefan Lomako, Whithorn, said: “The sight of one wee heartbroken laddie being comforted by his mum really moved me.
“It was a cruel way to lose. I’ve been there before and sadly it will happen many times again. Rangers must pick themselves up and move on, which I’m sure they will do.”
Andy Lanigan, Bishopbriggs, said: “In Manchester 2008, we were outclassed, but even without getting anywhere near our best form in Seville, we should have won it.
“Not angry with players, they will know that. A great effort nonetheless.
"Good to see the fans do us proud, despite all the fake rubbish about hundreds of arrests.”
Joe Sneddon emailed: “After not one arrest in Seville here’s hoping that UEFA blazers don’t patronise us with a best fans in Europe award. As we already know we are the best supporters in the world. Just have a look at our last 10 year journey.”
Not many Hearts calls, although there was one from Peter Walker, Bathgate, who reckons his team have Rangers where they want them.
He said: “We could not have wished for a better outcome in Seville. Rangers going all the way to penalties in searing heat and losing to send them onto a downer. Robbie Neilson and the players have to go straight for them at Hampden. No messing about.”
Meanwhile, John Scott, Grassmoor, says he’s bored listening to Celtic fans after Seville talking about the Lisbon Lions.
He said: “Give it a rest. They sound like the English who still grate on about their single World Cup win, achieved just 10 months before Celtic’s victory in Lisbon.
“Both trophies were won during a time when there were still gas lights on some British streets. Celtic’s counter argument for being dumped out of three European competitions and the Scottish Cup is they are champions of a two team league and the Lisbon Lions won the European Cup before their nana and grandas were born.
“Aberdeen, with a team full of Scotsmen won a Super Cup for beating Hamburger SV, a team crowned European Cup winners seven months earlier.
"Aberdeen’s achievement is way up there with Celtic and Rangers European wins. Way, way up there.”
